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Abstract:

A moisture removal device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device
includes a first wiper and a second wiper that are magnetically attracted
to each other. Each wiper may include a shell layer and an absorber layer
that collectively assist with removing moisture and/or dirt or other
materials from an object such as a mask, protective eyewear, glasses, or
the like. The device can be placed on the object such that one wiper is
on an outside surface and one wiper is on an inside surface. The device
can be used to remove moisture from one or both surfaces without
requiring a user to remove the protective eyewear from his or her head.

Claims:

1. A moisture removal device for removing moisture from an object having
a first and second side, the moisture removal device comprising: a first
wiper having a first magnet, a first absorber, and a first shell; and a
second wiper having a second magnet, a second absorber, and a second
shell; wherein the first and second magnets are configured to attract
each other such that the first shell and second shell face each other
when applied to opposite sides of the object.

2. The moisture removal device of claim 1, wherein the first wiper
includes a handle portion.

3. The moisture removal device of claim 2, wherein the handle portion
includes a top surface that may be imprinted with indicia.

4. The moisture removal device of claim 1, wherein the first wiper
further comprises a magnet housing having a threaded portion and a handle
portion that can engage the threaded portion.

5. The moisture removal device of claim 1, wherein the first absorber and
first shell are removable.

6. The moisture removal device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
wiper have sufficient magnetic properties such that urging the first
wiper to move will cause the second wiper to move on the object.

7. The moisture removal device of claim 1, wherein the moisture removal
device further consists of one of the following: an outer cap, a catch
tray or a wiper tether.

8. A moisture removal device for removing moisture from an object having
a first and second side, the moisture removal device comprising: a first
wiper having a first magnet and a first wiping surface; and a second
wiper having a second magnetic material and a second wiping surface;
wherein the first magnet and second magnetic material are configured to
attract each other such that the first wiping surface and second wiping
surface face each other when applied to opposite sides of the object.

9. The moisture removal device of claim 8, wherein the first wiper
includes a handle portion.

10. The moisture removal device of claim 9, wherein the handle portion
includes a top surface that may be imprinted with indicia.

11. The moisture removal device of claim 8, wherein the first wiper
further comprises an absorber and a shell.

12. The moisture removal device of claim 8, wherein the second magnetic
material is a ferrous metal.

13. The moisture removal device of claim 11, wherein the first absorber
and the first shell are removable from the first wiper.

14. The moisture removal device of claim 11, wherein a cleansing or
anti-fogging substance is applied to the shell or the absorber of the
first wiper.

15. The moisture removal device of claim 8, wherein the first wiper
further comprises a magnet housing having a threaded portion and a handle
portion that can engage the threaded portion.

16. The moisture removal device of claim 8, wherein the first and second
wiper have sufficient magnetic properties such that urging the first
wiper to move will cause the second wiper to move on the object.

17. A moisture removal device configured as a kit for retrofitting to
existing eyewear for removing moisture from both a first and second side
of the eyewear, the moisture removal device comprising: a first wiper
having a first magnet, a first absorber, and a first shell; and a second
wiper having a second magnet, a second absorber, and a second shell;
wherein the first and second magnets are configured to attract and follow
each other when applied to opposite sides of the object.

18. The moisture removal device of claim 17, wherein the first and second
shells are flexible.

19. The moisture removal device of claim 17, wherein the first and second
absorbers are removable.

20. The moisture removal device of claim 17, where the first and second
absorbers may remove moisture from the shells or may be impregnated with
a substance for facilitating the operation of the device.

Description:

[0002] The present invention relates to a moisture removal device, and
particularly to a moisture removal device that can be used in conjunction
with, for example, a helmet or protective eyewear.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0003] Persons who participate in recreational sports such as
snowmobiling, paintballing, motorcycling, skiing, and the like know well
that moisture tends to collect on the protective eyewear or lenses
associated with the sport. Often, the moisture will collect on the inside
of the protective eyewear, causing the participant to stop what he is
doing, remove the eyewear, and wipe and clean it in order to improve
visibility. In a competitive environment, a participant is often
unwilling to sacrifice the time it takes to cleanse the eyewear.
Moreover, in some situations, such as paintball, it may be dangerous to
the user to remove the eyewear. The present disclosure relates to one or
more of the following features, elements or combinations thereof.

[0004] A moisture removal device is disclosed. The device illustratively
includes a first wiper and second wiper that are magnetically attracted
to each other. Each wiper may include a shell layer and an absorber layer
that collectively assist with wiping moisture and/or dirt or other
materials from an object such as a mask, protective eyewear, glasses, or
the like. The device can be placed on the object such that one wiper is
on an outside surface and one wiper is on an inside surface. The device
can be used to remove moisture from one or both surfaces without
requiring a user to remove the protective eyewear from his or her head.

[0005] Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of
carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying
figures in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present
invention as it would be applied to an object such as protective eyewear;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2;

[0010] FIG. 4 is another cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-3, showing an object positioned between two parts of the embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment as it might be applied to
protective eyewear;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6;

[0014]FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7; and

[0015] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention

[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention

[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] One embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-3 in
the form of a moisture removal device 10 having a first wiper 12 and a
second wiper 14. In the illustrated embodiment, first wiper 12 and second
wiper 14 are substantially similar in size, and are configured to be
placed on opposite sides of an object 16 to be wiped.

[0021] As contemplated herein, object 16 may be a mask, a lens, a part of
a helmet, protective eyewear, glasses, or any other item that might
benefit from having vision-impairing moisture or dirt removed.
Advantageously, moisture removal device 10 provides the ability to remove
moisture and/or dirt from both sides of object 16 at the same time.

[0022] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, first wiper 12 illustratively
includes a magnet 18, an absorber 20, and a shell 22. Shell 22 may be
composed of, for example, cloth, mesh, netting, sponge, or any other type
of preferably flexible material that could be passed over an object 16
and provide the ability to cleanse or wipe the object 16. Absorber 20 may
be, for example, a compressed sponge, an absorbent cloth, cotton, or any
other type of material that can absorb and retain certain materials that
might be found on object 16. In the contemplated embodiment, absorber 20
is formed as a single layer of material that can be placed adjacent
magnet 18. Shell 22 is also contemplated to be a single layer of material
that can be placed adjacent absorber 20.

[0023] Similarly, second wiper 14 can comprise a magnet 24, an absorber
26, and a shell 28. The materials used for each component of second wiper
14 can be identical to those used in first wiper 12. It is contemplated
that magnet 24 and magnet 18 are positioned such that their opposite
polarities face each other, and therefore attract each other. In the
illustrated embodiment, such attractive forces cause first and second
wipers 12, 14 to hold positions opposite each other on object 16 even
when only one of the wipers 12, 14 is urged to move. It is also
contemplated that one of magnets 18, 24 could be substituted with a
magnetic material such as a ferrous metal, so that the remaining magnet
18, 24 would still be magnetically attracted to the opposing wiper due to
the ferrous metal.

[0024] As disclosed herein and visible in the drawings, one presently
contemplated shape for wipers 12, 14 is a cylindrical disk. However, it
should be understood that other shapes and configurations for wipers 12,
14 are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, wipers 12, 14 may
be squared, rectangular, linear, or any other shape that permits both a
wiping function and an ability to reside on object 16 during non-use.

[0025] During non-use, it is contemplated that device 10 can be moved to a
corner or non-intrusive area of object 16. For example, as can be seen in
FIG. 5, device 10 may be positioned in an area of object 16 that is off
to the side and not intrusive of the vision of a user. It is further
contemplated that device 10 may be urged around object 16 in a certain
pattern, such as that shown by arrows 30 in FIG. 5.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention can be seen in FIGS.
6-9. In such an embodiment, wiper 12 can include a handle portion 32 that
facilitates a user's movement of wiper 12. In the illustrative
embodiment, it is contemplated that a top surface 34 may be configured to
display a logo or other indicia. Such a logo or other indicia may be, for
example, a product label, assembly instructions, a personal identifier or
may alternatively be advertising or branding for a third party.

[0027] Wiper 14, visible in FIG. 7, may include a rounded portion 36
rather than a handle portion. Rounded portion 36 provides a low profile
and is therefore less likely to scratch or inconvenience the user. The
rounded portion may be made of rubber, cloth or any other suitable
material.

[0028] As can be seen in FIG. 8, a magnet housing 38 may be connected to
magnet 18. Such a magnet housing can include a threaded portion 40 that
provides a means for magnet housing 38 to securely connect to, for
example, handle portion 32. Magnet housing may be constructed of metal or
any other suitable, hard material.

[0029] Second wiper 14 may be similarly constructed, such that a magnet
housing 42 with a threaded portion 44 is provided. The disclosed
construction for first and second wipers 12, 14 may be useful in securing
shells 22, 28 to their respective wipers 12, 14. For example, a portion
of shell 22 may be positioned between magnet housing 38 and handle
portion 32. When handle portion 32 is tightened on threaded portion 40,
handle portion 32 may be caused to pinch shell 22 between magnet housing
38 and handle portion 32, thereby holding it in place. When it is desired
to replace shell 22, handle portion 32 can be unthreaded and shell 22
exchanged for a replacement. Shell 28 may be replaced in a similar
fashion.

[0030] It is contemplated that moisture removal device 10 can be sold as a
kit for retrofitting to existing eyewear, and replacement shells 22, 28
may be sold separately and/or included in the kit as shown in FIG. 10. It
is also contemplated that handle portion 32 may be separately sold, so
that other designs, logos, or graphics may be placed on handle portion
32. Further, the kit is suitable for use on a wide range of existing
objects and may be easily installed, replaced or transferred from one to
another.

[0031] In the embodiment disclosed herein, magnet 18, absorber 20, and
shell 22 can be secured together by virtue of shell 22 wrapping itself
around absorber 20 and magnet 18. An elastic material, string, or other
securing means may further secure shell 22 around absorber 20 and magnet
18. Other means of securing are also contemplated. For example, glue,
tape, resilient clips, snap-on caps, and the like may be used to secure
shells 22, 28 to wipers 12, 14.

[0032] As can be seen in FIG. 9, an exploded view illustrates how one
embodiment of device 10 can be constructed. Handle portion 32 is shown to
include a base 46 and a nut 48. Base 46 illustratively has a recess that
is formed to receive nut 48 so that base 46 and nut 48 can be turned
together to engage threaded portion 40.

[0033] It is contemplated that a user can use device 10 in the following
manner. A first wiper 12 can be placed on one side/surface of object 16.
Second wiper 14 is then placed on the opposite side/surface of object 16.
The magnetic attraction between first and second wipers 12, 14 cause the
wipers to be attracted to each other through object 16, and to align
themselves with each other on opposite sides of object 16. A user may
then urge one wiper, such as wiper 12, to move and can expect second
wiper 14 to move with first wiper 12. To remove moisture and/or dirt or
other materials, a user can simply urge first wiper 12 around the object
and the shells 22, 28 on each wiper will collect the moisture or dirt.
Absorbers 20, 26 will also function to absorb fluids.

[0034] It is contemplated that absorbers 20, 26 and/or shells 22, 28 may
be impregnated with a substance that assists in the function of device
10. For example, a glass cleaning substance may be impregnated in one or
both of the absorbers or shells such that as the device is used, the
substance is activated and deposited on object 16. Such a substance may
include anti-fogging, sanitizing or other components. Such a substance
may also be moisture-activated. Alternatively, the absorbers 20, 26 are
also capable of wicking moisture away from the shells 22, 28 and the
object 16, improving the efficiency and capacity of the device 10.

[0035] Alternate embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-13 depict features for
securing the device. An outer cap 50, shown in FIG. 11 in an open
configuration, secures and protects the device 10 from physical debris,
damage, loss and inadvertent disassembly. The outer cap 50 may be made of
any suitable material and attached via threading, glue, tape, resilient
clips, snap-on caps, and the like.

[0036] A catch tray 52 may secure one wiper 12, 14 should the other be
removed. The catch tray 52 shown in FIG. 12 is located on an interior
surface of the object 16, though it is contemplated that such a catch
tray 52 may alternately or additionally be located on the exterior
surface of the object 16. FIG. 13 depicts yet another alternate
embodiment in which a wiper 12, 14 is secured to the object 16 via a
flexible wiper tether 54 fixed to the object 16 (a movable rigid member
is also contemplated, but not shown). Alternate embodiments of the
securing features having differing shapes, locations and configurations
are also contemplated and alternate designs may be selected with minimal
experimentation so as to best address the needs of a specific
application.

[0037] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to
limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as
defined by the appended claims.

[0038] A plurality of advantages arises from the various features of the
present disclosure. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of
various components of the disclosure may not include all of the features
described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such
features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own
implementations of a moisture removal device that incorporate one or more
of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and
scope of the disclosure.

Patent applications in class Including means for manual manipulation of implement

Patent applications in all subclasses Including means for manual manipulation of implement